New research commissioned by retail and leisure destination, Battersea Power Station, reveals a significant shift back to the high street, with nearly half of UK shoppers (45%) now preferring to shop in-store rather than online (30%).

The return to physical retail is driven most by the joy of trying different styles and sizes (38%), and the convenience of visiting multiple shops in one location (30%).

However, the survey also revealed that 47% of shoppers in the UK, increasing to 56% for women, find looking at themselves in changing room mirrors a difficult experience, underlining the ongoing impact of body image issues.

In response, fashion and beauty brands at Battersea Power Station are hosting a series of events between 12^th – 31^st May 2025 as part of the riverside neighbourhood’s Radiant Reflections campaign, which encourages shoppers to celebrate themselves and their reflections.

Battersea Power Station is home to over 150 shops, bars, restaurants and leisure experiences, and has welcomed more than 30 million shoppers since opening in October 2022.

New research commissioned by Battersea Power Station, one of London’s leading shopping destinations, reveals that almost half of UK shoppers (45%) say they now prefer shopping in-store, compared to just 30% who favour online.

The return to the high street is driven by the joy of in-person shopping experiences such as trying on different sizes and styles (38%) and the ease of visiting multiple stores in one location (30%).

The data also shows that two-thirds of shoppers living in the UK use fashion to feel confident and empowered, rather than follow the latest trends. One-third say they find their greatest style inspiration when shopping in-store.

However, the research also uncovered a deeper emotional issue: 47% of people living in the UK, rising to 56% for women, find looking at themselves in the mirror while trying on clothes a difficult experience. In addition, 47% of 25 – 34 year olds believe shopping destinations need to offer in-store experiences to attract visitors who typically shop online.

In response to these insights, the aim of Battersea Power Station’s Spring/Summer 2025 campaign, Radiant Reflections, is to put joy, confidence, and body positivity back into shopping. Between 12^th – 31^st May 2025, a curated calendar of free and ticketed events will celebrate personal style, encourage shoppers to celebrate their reflection and demonstrate the benefits of in-person shopping.

Highlights include a workshop hosted by energy healer and author of The Fashion Oracle, Nieve Tierney, titled How to Optimise Your Energy with Fashion on Thursday 29^th May at Battersea Bookshop, the neighbourhood bookstore inside the Power Station. The event will explore how fashion can become a daily ritual of self-expression and empowerment, dressing to feel good, rather than to follow trends. Tickets cost £5 or £16.99 including a copy of The Fashion Oracle, and the evening will include an in-conversation with Nieve, a group energy healing meditation and a Q&A session. Guests will leave feeling grounded and armed with practical fashion alchemy tools. For more information and to buy tickets, please click here.

On 16th May from 5:30pm – 7pm, Jigsaw will be hosting an exclusive VIP event with fashion stylist and colour experts, Manina and Rachel from Red Leopard. Manina and Rachel will share their expert tips on colour analysis and personal style, helping attendees discover the shades and silhouettes to elevate their wardrobe and boost their confidence. Tickets to the event are free and include a complimentary glass of fizz. For more information and to book, please click here.

Between 12^th – 31^st May, the home of British menswear, Hackett, will offer one-to-one styling sessions to help shoppers refresh their Spring/Summer wardrobe. Plus, Hackett’s ‘Made To Measure’ tailoring service is perfect for those looking for a stylish new suit for an upcoming wedding or summer sporting event. A well-fitted suit can be very flattering, boosting self-esteem and confidence. To book a one-to-one styling session at Hackett Battersea Power Station, please call the store on 020 4546 7827 or email battersea@hackett.com.

Sustainable women’s clothing brand, Reformation, has quickly become a top choice for finding the perfect summer event outfit. As part of the Radiant Reflections campaign, the Battersea Power Station store will host one-to-one styling sessions from 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday between 12^th – 31^st May, to help shoppers find outfits that will help them feel radiant and confident this summer no matter their style. To book a styling session at Reformation, please click here.

According to the survey conducted by Battersea Power Station, 1 in 2 women also find it easier to choose the right skincare and make-up products when shopping in person. Beauty lovers visiting Battersea Power Station can also experience in-store skincare and beauty consultations at Aesop, Boots Beauty, Rituals, Kiehl’s, Malin+Goetz and L’Occitane.

As part of the Radiant Reflections campaign and this year’s London Craft Week, Battersea Power Station has partnered with award-winning filmmaker and multimedia artist, Charlotte Colbert, and New Public to bring two awe-inspiring art installations, ‘Dreamland Sirens’ and ‘Where Angels Live’ to the iconic London landmark until 1^st June. Collectively known as, ‘Chasing Rainbows’, the free-to-view artworks feature Colbert’s signature surreal and thought-provoking themes, which invite people to dream, hope and create a future of collective inclusivity.

The ‘Dreamland Sirens’ piece in Turbine Hall A at Battersea Power Station, will be accompanied by a fun pop-up shop where visitors can purchase keepsakes designed by Charlotte Colbert from 9^th – 18^th May. The pop-up will also feature a customisation station where shoppers can have limited-edition patches designed by Colbert sewn on to their new season fashion and homeware purchases free-of-charge between 9^th – 11^th May and 17^th – 18^th May. For more information, please click here.

Kate Boothman-Meier, Head of Communications and Marketing at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said:

“As the research shows, consumers are moving away from online shopping and returning to shopping in person. We’re proud to be creating a destination where retail goes beyond transactions – it’s about atmosphere, engagement, and ultimately the visitor journey leading to a positive shopping experience. From exciting new concept stores to innovative in-store services, the brands at Battersea Power Station are always looking for ways to elevate our visitors overall experience at the riverside neighbourhood. ‘Radiant Reflections’ is our way of celebrating individuality, supporting confidence, and reminding people that shopping should be joyful.” 

For more information on fashion and beauty events taking place during the Radiant Reflections campaign, please visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events/radiant-reflections/

For more information about Battersea Power Station, please visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk and follow @BatterseaPwrStn to keep up to date with the latest news and events.